Bahamas Taxi Cab Union President, Tyrone Butler appeared at a press conference along with Commonwealth of The Bahamas Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Obie Ferguson on Wednesday. Butler told reporters talks with the government has failed over issues with livery drivers at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) and warned of industrial action.
According to Butler, it was agreed at a meeting with government officials that only taxi drivers would be allowed at the arrivals door at LPIA for two weeks beginning August 10th. He said livery drivers were not informed of the agreement and the issue cannot be resolved without industrial action.
Butler said, “we can no longer continue to just meet, and meet, and meet. We are now going to rely on all of the options that’s available to us. And so whatever happens, moving forward, we’re gonna do what we have to do. That’s why we’re involving the leader of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Trade Union Congress. We’re expecting our affiliates to join us because the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union has had it and we ask them to come and walk with us, to stand with us, as we are asking the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Trade Union Congress and our affiliates to do because enough is enough.”
On Monday, livery drivers blocked taxi drivers’ access to LPIA. At the time Bahamas Livery Drivers Union President, Tory Austin said taxi drivers were occupying parking spots designated for liveries.
Trade Union Congress President, Obie Ferguson said taxi drivers have the full backing of the TUC and stressed that only taxi drivers have the legal backing to be where they are stationed at LPIA. “The law is clear, you know, those spaces are reserved for taxi drivers. If you pay your dues you expect to get benefits from paying dues, but you have done that. What’s the issue?”
Minister of Transport, the Hon. Leon Lundy responded to the threat of industrial action by taxi drivers saying taxi and livery drivers should meet, engage in good faith and work together for an amicable solution. He said once an agreement is met his ministry will ensure the terms are respected.
